NHLTR Mock Trade: Red Wings' Dylan Larkin to The Canadiens

Friday, October 16, 2026 ,
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The Montreal Canadiens are experiencing a window of contention, and general manager Kent Hughes is motivated to keep that open as long as possible. 

It could be a sign of desperation to trade younger talent for a "win-now" piece like Dylan Larkin, but it could be construed as Hughes having his thumb on the pulse of the fandom that chanted "We Want Larkin" at a recent Habs game. 

What stands between a trade between the Canadiens and Red Wings is Larkin's trade list, which hasn't expanded to include the Original Six team in Canada. The Michigan-born forward has kept his interest in American-based teams. 

However, that could be one issue resolved, should he waive his no-trade clause to head to Montreal.

The second issue in the trade, which hasn't been addressed, is what the Canadiens would have to give up to acquire their 1C Larkin from the Red Wings. 

Dylan Larkin To Montreal For Michael Hage And Three To Four "Assets" 


It could be a haul, as Shaun Starr and Marco D'Amico discussed a potential return for the Red Wings, which included "future 2C" Michael Hage. 


Interim GM Shawn Horcroff would have to retain part of Larkin's $8.7 M AAV cap hit in order to secure the best return possible, which Starr proposed would include Hage, selected 21st overall in the 1st round of the 2024 NHL Draft. 

Starr believes that it could be a total of three or four assets, which could include draft picks or prospects in return. In actuality an expensive bargain for Larkin who has seen the playoffs once in his career, and has scored 30+ goals the last five seasons of his career, as a Red Wing. 

While the prospect of winning now is an enticing option, would you rather the Canadiens win now, or build for long-term contention? 

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